Trucking accidents unfortunately have become all too common due to our crowded interstates and major transportation arteries.  Over the last twenty years as the amount of commercial traffic has increased, the number of truck accidents has also increased nationwide.  It is a proven fact that large trucks cause much greater harm and injuries than a normal car accident due to the enormous weight and size of most trucks on the road today.  Both State and Federal laws govern the trucking industry.  Not only do these laws establish certain criteria regulating drivers of commercial vehicles, but often state and federal regulations determine who is responsible for a trucking accident.  Victims of trucking accidents can obtain information from not only police reports and witness statements but also from governmental agencies that are required to inspect any commercial truck and trailer involved in an accident while at the scene.  In addition to a government agency inspecting any vehicle involved in a trucking accident there is also data contained on what is called a “black box” which is a device that records data such as how fast a truck was going, speed, braking, and how long the driver had been on the road.  Common causes of trucking accidents are driver fatigue, mechanical failure, weather and road conditions, improper load distribution, improper maintenance, and traffic signal failures.  Factors such as driver fatigue, inattention, distractions, work environment and unfamiliarity of the road have been known to contribute to driver error and cause accidents.  Federal and State agencies have in place regulations to protect the public from driver fatigue and sleep deprivation by mandating the number of hours that a driver can continuously be on the road and behind the wheel.  Also, many companies have drug testing in place to protect the public against driver use of prescription and over the counter drugs that would affect the truck driver’s abilities to navigate safely.  If you would like more information regarding the legal services our office offers for individuals injured in trucking accidents, please contact us for a free initial consultation.